Former Russian internationals Yegor Titov and Andrei Tikhonov have both joined Kazakh side FC Lokomotiv Astana, which was formed this January with the merger of FC Megasport and FC Alma-Ata.

Spartak captainsThe two former FC Spartak Moskva captains have agreed to spend the next two years in the capital of Kazakhstan. Tikhonov, 38, won eight Russian titles and two Russian Cups with Spartak prior to spells with Maccabi Tel-Aviv, FC FC Krylya Sovetov Samara and FC Khimki. Playmaker Titov, 28, spent the latter part of last season at Khimki having played for Spartak from 1995 to 2008. "I do not think that these great players are coming to Kazakstan for money," Lokomotiv general manager Mels Kataev told uefa.com. "They are coming to help our football to reach new heights." Lokomotiv will play in the UEFA Europa League in the summer, taking the place of losing Kazakh Cup finalists Alma-Ata, and kick off their domestic campaign against FC Kazakhmys on 7 March.

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